SEARCHES are being carried out at a house on Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, in relation to the murder of Becky Godden in 2002.

Becky was last seen on 27 December 2002 and there are no confirmed sightings of her in 2003. In 2011 officers found Becky’s remains buried in a field in East Leach, Gloucestershire.

Detective Chief Inspector, Sean Memory is leading searches at the house.

DCI Memory said: ‘We are focusing our attention on this property as part of the ongoing investigation and have organised a specialist team comprised of over 30 staff.

"These officers are concentrating their search for any items which may be related to Becky’s murder or may assist with the investigation into her death.

"We have a number of Crime Scene Investigators who will conduct meticulous fingertip searches of the property. This will include the removal of flooring, exploring space behind walls and in loft areas and a methodical search carried out until I am satisfied that the entire house has been thoroughly examined.

"Cadaver dogs from South Wales Police will also play a key part in the examination of the property; these dogs can detect minute traces of blood or human remains even if it has been there for many years.

"We are also receiving assistance from colleagues from other agencies who are providing specialist search equipment."
 
Detectives will be carrying out house to house enquiries with residents to gather any further information regarding Becky’s disappearance, or information regarding the house being searched.

Renewed appeal posters will be distributed in the area and police would like to hear from anyone who saw Becky over the Christmas 2002 – New Year 2003 period.

DCI Memory continued: "I would estimate the searches and activity in the area will take approximately a week but this is dependent on a number of factors such as any items we find and where they are found.

"Anything of interest will be forensically recovered and will be sent for analysis by forensic experts."

"Due to the nature of the searches there will be disruption within the house, this will be rectified at the conclusion of the searches.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the current occupants and all residents in the area for their co operation and understanding."

DCI Memory added: "Following our latest appeal regarding a silver Volvo S80, which is believed to have been in the Swindon area in 2002/2003, two witnesses have come forward and provided significant information which we are currently exploring in detail.

"The car, index T661 LGP, is known to have been sold at ASM auctions in Oxfordshire in June 2004 but it is not clear where it went afterwards. I would still like to hear from anyone with information regarding this vehicle.

"I can also provide an update regarding the searches at Ramsbury where over 600 individual items were recovered in or near to a pond. Each item has now been reviewed and a number are being sent for further expert analysis. Due to the nature of the analysis this may take some time.

"We continue to work closely with Becky’s family and keep them updated with the progress of our investigation."

Local Commander, Supt Andrew Carr said: "There will be a large amount of police activity in Ashbury Avenue this week and the road will be closed to non residents at the junction with Chalford Avenue for safety reasons and to facilitate these essential searches, we will keep residents updated as to our progress.

"We recognise that this will cause some issues for the community, we will try to keep the disruption as limited as possible and we appreciate everyone’s understanding.

"Anyone who does have concerns regarding the police activity can speak to an officer at the police point which has been set up in Ashbury Avenue."

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. If you have information please call 101 or alternatively please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details may be provided anonymously if preferred.